Ask A Specialist!

Request Appointment

Call us today

(719) 568-9790

Medications for Pain Relief?

Medications for Pain Relief?

 

In the US right now Drugs are  overwhelmingly the primary first line  treatment of pain. To understand why this is a problem it is important to first understand how drugs actually work. Simply put drugs just put a band-aid on the symptoms, they just cover them up, while COMPLETELY ignoring the root cause. This is a big problem.

Medications only do one of two things. They either chemically cover up the pain by neutralizing the chemicals associated with the pain response in the body  at the tissue or structural level which is how anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, and similar drugs work.  The second way they are intended to act is by covering up the signal in the brain that senses pain, the signal that tells your mind your MIND / YOU that you are in pain, this is how the more powerful and extremely dangerous narcotics such as Vicodin and Oxycontin work. While that may work in the short term, which is really what these drugs are designed for in the first place and what they are used for in most countries, this does not work in the long term, tolerance and dependence on these dangerous agents leads to people requiring more of them to have the same effect. That’s a vicious cycle I want you to avoid. And if your there now, I want to help you gradually decrease you need for these drugs by actually treating the root cause of you pain.

This is a new concept and medical professionals, especially here in the US are VERY resistant to change. It has a lot to  do with their training, their mindset and some other factors which are beyond the scope of this blog. Most are well meaning, just in many cases ill informed. And I do work with many doctors and healthcare professionals who are open to new methods and who  always seek conservative care before going to dangerous drugs and invasive procedures, but lets fact it, we all know this is not the norm. Look at the tragedy that has occurred in this country with prescription pain medication! WOW!.

As a country we are only 5% percent of the worlds population yet we consume 80% of the worlds pain medication. If you add in Canada and Europe, its 95%. This is well known and  has been all over the news. Click on the links at the end of this to watch a few videos on this subject, they are really eye opening.

Many experts feel that Vicodin in not classified correctly by the FDA and should actually be classified in the same category as morphine. Lewis Nelson, who served on an  FDA panel to try to stem this deadly and growing epidemic said  “Opioids are essentially legal Herion”. Hard to say he was wrong since following the restriction in prescribing these drugs there has been a huge increase in Heroin use and deaths, were seeing this right here in our own city.  This is an absolute tragedy and we should all be outraged.

So enough of the negativity here. I did not really want to go there  but I think you need to really understand the current mindset and the current state we are in so you can embrace a new and much better mindset and method of treating pain.

In my next blog were going to talk about this new way of looking at pain and how it can help you or a loved one who is suffering needlessly.

If you want to get started on pain relief now by talking with me or a member of our team call

Synergy Physical Therapy & Wellness and Wellness at:

(719) 568-9790

or e mail me at 

joe.ruzich@symergyptw.com

Americans consume vast majority of the world’s opioids

ABC News Report on Pain Medication Usage

Wishing you a Pain Free Life,

Joe Ruzich, PT and Pain Relief Specialist

As we age, maintaining health and independence becomes a top priority. Strength training, a type of resistance exercise often overshadowed by cardio or flexibility exercises, is a cornerstone of healthy aging. Whether you’re in your 30s or 80s, incorporating strength training into your routine can help you live a longer, more vibrant life. Here’s why everyone needs to embrace strength training and how to overcome common barriers to getting started.

1. Avoiding Frailty

Frailty, marked by reduced strength, endurance, and physical function, is a growing concern with age. According to the National Institute on Aging, frailty increases the risk of falls, disability, and hospitalization. For women, who face a higher risk of osteoporosis, frailty can also lead to fractures with prolonged recovery. Strength training combats frailty by building muscle mass and bone density. 

A 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that resistance training significantly improved muscle strength and reduced frailty markers in older adults. For women, this is especially critical, as stronger muscles and bones reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Exercises like weightlifting, bodyweight workouts, or resistance bands enhance physical resilience, making daily tasks like carrying groceries or climbing stairs safer and easier.

(Want to know more about osteoporosis and PT’s role in it’s prevention and treatment? Check out our previous article for more information: Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, and Physical Therapy) 

2. Staying Able to Do the Things You Love

Strength training ensures you can keep enjoying activities like gardening, hiking, or playing with grandkids. According to an article in Harvard Health Publishing, muscle strength can begin to decline by about 1-2% per year after age 35 due to sarcopenia, also known as age-related muscle loss. This muscle loss accelerates as our bodies age. This loss can limit your ability to perform daily tasks or pursue hobbies, particularly for women who may experience accelerated muscle loss during menopause due to declining estrogen levels. 

Regular strength training preserves functional capacity, and benefits multiple domains of health. A  2019 study published in Frontiers in Physiology showed that resistance exercise not only improved musculoskeletal health, but also helped patients manage chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Mcleod et al., 2019). Older adults who participated consistently in resistance strength exercise maintained better mobility, overall health, and independence than those who did not. Additionally, the same study found that those using light weight or only body weight while strength training was just as effective as heavy weights (McLeod et al., 2019). The most important factor of strength training for healthy aging is finding a routine that is suited to your body and your ability. A consultation with a physical therapist can help you find the right routine and guide you through proper exercise form to ensure your exercise is preventing injury, not causing it.  Strength training empowers you to stay active, healthy, and independent.

3. More Muscle Mass Equals Improved Blood Sugar Control

Building muscle isn’t just about strength—it’s about metabolic health. Muscle tissue helps regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity, which is vital for preventing or managing type 2 diabetes, a condition more prevalent with age (Mcleod et al., 2019). Increased muscle mass enhances glucose uptake, reducing blood sugar spikes. This is particularly important for women, who may face increased risks for diabetes complications. Researchers have found that  resistance training improved glycemic control in older adults with type 2 diabetes (Mcleod et al., 2019). In their review of resistance exercise and blood sugar management, resistance exercise performed for 8 weeks resulted in clinical improvements in A1C management and improvements in insulin resistance. These findings are relevant not just to individuals living with diabetes, but also those with insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, or a family history of diabetes. More muscle mass means greater glucose storage capacity, supporting overall metabolic health. Even moderate strength training, like lifting weights twice a week, can make a significant difference.

Common Barriers to Starting Strength Training

Despite its benefits, many hesitate to start strength training. Here are common barriers and solutions:

  • Lack of Knowledge: Many feel intimidated by unfamiliar exercises. 
    • Solution: Start with simple bodyweight moves like squats or push-ups. Online resources from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) offer free beginner guides, or consult a certified personal trainer for a tailored program.
  • Fear of Injury: Older adults, especially women with lower bone density, may worry about getting hurt. 
    • Solution: Begin with low weights or resistance bands under professional guidance. A 2018 study in Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research confirms supervised strength training is safe and effective for all ages when done correctly.
  • Time Constraints: Busy schedules can make exercise feel daunting. 
    • Solution: Short, 20-minute strength workouts 2-3 times per week still deliver impactful benefits, per American College of Sports Medicine guidelines.
  • Gym Intimidation: Gyms can feel overwhelming for beginners. 
    • Solution: Try home workouts with minimal equipment or join small group classes for older adults, which foster a supportive environment. Women-only classes can also provide a comfortable starting point.

Getting Started with Strength Training

To reap the benefits, aim for 3 sessions per week. Focus on compound movements—exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once, like squats, deadlifts, lunges, assisted pull-ups, and pushing-pressing motions. These maximize efficiency and functional strength. Start with light weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises, gradually increasing intensity.

Safety Tip: Deadlifts, a powerful and functional movement, we commonly integrate this into out-patient rehabilitation strategy, but it does require proper technique to avoid injury. Begin with no weight, using a broomstick or similar tool to master form under a skilled coach’s guidance before adding weight. This is especially important to protect against lower back strain or injury.

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have chronic conditions like osteoporosis, chronic low back pain or shoulder problems. If you do struggle with any of these, one of our physical therapists can design a program tailored to your needs, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you are free from chronic conditions or pain a skilled coach or trainer can also be a great fit to get you started safely.

Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders—it’s for everyone who values aging gracefully, staying active, and feeling their best. By building strength now, you’re investing in a healthier, more independent future.

References:

Harvard Health. (2023, February 14). Age and muscle loss. https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/age-and-muscle-loss

Mcleod, J. C., Stokes, T., & Phillips, S. M. (2019). Resistance Exercise training as a primary Countermeasure to Age-Related Chronic Disease. Frontiers in Physiology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00645

Talar, K., Hernández-Belmonte, A., Vetrovsky, T., Steffl, M., Kałamacka, E., & Courel-Ibáñez, J. (2021). Benefits of Resistance training in Early and late Stages of Frailty and sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(8), 1630. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10081630

Request An Appointment

Please fill out this form and
we will contact you about scheduling.

Categories